Paleolandscape

 In this paleolandscape, artist John Francis creates a view of the warm tropical Imperial Sea

The Setting

Exposed irregular shorelines and steep sea cliffs
Clear, warm marine waters

Direct connection between the Caribbean and Pacific
 Same species found in the Caribbean region

Tropical, marine environment
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The Current Environment

From the Fish Creek campground, the view of the Imperial Sea.

Photograph by Richard Ingwall , Anza-Borrego Desert Paleontology Society 
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The Animals

In our paleolandscape we see:

1. Pelicans (Pelecanus sp.)
2. Surf scoter  (Melanitta persopicillata)
3. Sea turtles (Cheloniidae
4. Imperial walrus, extinct (Valenictus imperialensis)
5. Mussels (Mytilidae)
6. Sea biscuits (Clypeasteridae)
7. Abalones (Haliotis sp.)
8. Acorn barnacle (Megabalanus tin tinnabulum)

The Fossils

Photographs from Fossil Treasures of the Anza-Borrego Desert
Photograph by Barbara Marrs